This panel examines the intersection of Israeli policies of occupation and containment which prevent Palestinian self-determination, with a focus on the experience for Palestinians of living under occupation in Jerusalem and Gaza and the ways Palestinians and their supporters are organizing politically, economically and culturally to protect their human rights and work towards a different future.

The panelists are all contributors to Al Shabaka: The Palestinian Policy Network. Policy Fellow Nur Arafeh will examine Israel’s plans for Jerusalem and its “vision” for the city by mid-century, as well as the ways in which Jerusalemites are organizing and the support they need. This will be followed by Policy Fellow Tareq Baconi, who will address Israel’s siege of Gaza, the predicament of Hamas, and the role of regional actors, and also suggest ways forward. Executive Director Nadia Hijab will then discuss Israel’s measures against the occupied territories and the Palestinian citizens of Israel, including its draconian attacks on human rights defenders, and examine counter-measures by the Palestinian and international actors.